Meet Our Team

Mahdad (Matt) Manavi, MBA CBB, CBI, CM&AP, M&AMI

President & Co-Founder

Matt owns and operates a full business brokerage and a Mergers and Acquisition Advisory agency along with his business partner, Nassim Bayat.

As a committed professional in this industry, Matt has earned multiple certificates - Certified Business Broker (CBB) from the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) from the International Business Broker Association (IBBA), and Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional. Matt has also been elected a member of the Board of Directors of the California Association of Business Brokers in 2024. Matt has represented business owners in manufacturing, 3PL, warehousing, distribution, health industries, SaaS, medical billing, freight and transportation, online sales, import/export, and engineering in defense and aerospace.

We support all business owners in Main Street or the Lower Middle Market to fulfill your American Dream. You worked hard and tenaciously for this moment. Trust the sale of your business to compassionate and knowledgeable professionals who will guide you through the complex maze of preparing and selling your business.

Matt received his M.S. in Physics from San Jose State University and started his career as an optical engineer. His first 19 years of professional career were in Silicon Valley's small and startup high-tech companies. Matt quickly moved up to various executive roles. He co-founded a startup in the use of nano-technology in data storage. He later joined a Fortune 500 multinational design and manufacturing company, managing an international team of program managers. His team generated revenue between $5M to $50M per quarter as new products were delivered to the market. While there, Matt also received his MBA degree with a concentration in Global Management.

In 2016, after 30 years of corporate experience in small/startup and Fortune 500, Matt started his business brokerage agency with Transworld Business Advisors.

Nassim Bayat
CM&AP

Managing Director & Co-Founder

Nassim owns and operates a full business brokerage and a Mergers and Acquisition Advisory agency along with his business partner, Matt Manavi.

Nassim has over 38 years of experience in controls & electrical engineering and manufacturing, having founded multiple successful organizations and having sold one of them to a publicly traded company for $40M. Projects that Nassim has been involved with span across warehouse and distribution, freight & parcel, baggage handling, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries. Nassim is on the boards of multiple companies that are involved and active in control integration, RF technology, real estate, and retail.

Nassim received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and completed his master’s courses at the University of Louisville. He then joined a material handling company after graduating, and within five years, was promoted to senior application engineer. In 1989, he started his own company, S.N. E. Systems, Inc., and grew it from one employee to 130 employees. In 2000, he sold the company to FKI, plc for $40M. In 2003, Nassim moved to southern California. In 2005, Nassim, along with his partner, started Alliant Technologies, and together with several key associates, they have grown Alliant Technologies to over 130 controls and software engineers with the largest panel fabrication facility in Kentucky with revenues over $50M. Over the past two decades, Nassim has also been involved in leadership & management consulting & partnership positions in businesses that operate in retail, medical, RF technology, and real estate industries.

Nassim started his full business brokerage agency with Transworld Business Advisors in 2014.

Moh Baugheri
CBB

Senior Business Broker

Moh Baugheri is a Senior Business Advisor in the Orange office in Southern California with over 15 years of experience as a business owner in retail and restaurants,

With an additional focus on Franchise resale, automotive repair and body shops, E2-Visa, remodeling businesses, and few more industries.

With an MBA degree and a CBB (Certified Business Broker) achievement from the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB), Moh demonstrates a strong education and commitment to the business brokerage industry.

Moh's combination of education, certification, industry specialization, and direct business ownership experience enables him with a solid foundation to provide expert advice to support and assist business owners with the process of selling their business, including providing a comprehensive business valuation analysis in various industries.

Shayan Manavi

CBB, CBI, CM&AP

Business Broker and Mergers & Acquisition Intermediary

Shayan Manavi is a Southern California Business Broker and M&A Advisor with Transworld Business Advisors, known for his relentless work ethic, sharp negotiation skills, strategic value, and ability to close deals successfully.

As a CBB (Certified Business Broker), CBI (Certified Business Intermediary), and CM&AP (Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional), Shayan combines technical valuation expertise with a strategic, deal-focused approach designed to maximize results for his clients.

Shayan represents business owners in specialty manufacturing, trades, healthcare services, food production, logistics, and other high-demand sectors. As an M&A advisor, he focuses on valuations, deal structuring, strategic buyer outreach, negotiation, and full-cycle transaction management. His main goal is simple: to maximize the total consideration for his clients, maintain control of the process, and successfully close the transaction.

Known for his straightforward communication style and no-nonsense execution, Shayan is the advisor business owners turn to when they need clarity, speed, and a disciplined approach that gets results. He thrives in high-pressure deal environments, keeping transactions organized, confidential, and progressing smoothly. Based in Orange County, Shayan collaborates with business owners throughout Southern California who seek a strategic partner to handle complex negotiations, create value, and close successful business deals.

Rashid (Rich) Gilanpour

 

Business Broker

 

Rich has spent over fifteen years working across technology, healthcare, professional services, construction, and other industries, developing a broad operational view that helps him quickly understand how a business runs and how a deal should be structured.

He approaches each transaction with clear communication, detailed preparation, and a calm, organized process. Rich manages valuations, marketing strategies, buyer interactions, and negotiation with the goal of reducing surprises and keeping clients’ interests front and center.

Clients value his steady guidance, honest feedback, and commitment to making the sale or purchase of a business as smooth and well-executed as possible.

Alex Woo

 

Business Broker

 

Alex is a business broker with an exceptional blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, spanning over a decade in diverse sectors including TMT (technology, media, telecommunications), food & beverage, hospitality and airlines.

Holding an MBA from Cornell University, Alex has developed a deep and comprehensive understanding of business principles and strategic management. Alex speaks Korean fluently.

A key highlight of Alex's career is his entrepreneurial venture, where he founded a fast-casual healthy food startup. This experience not only showcases his ability to identify market opportunities and create viable business models but also highlights his hands-on approach to overcoming operational challenges and driving business growth. Alex’s entrepreneurial journey enriches his expertise in business brokerage, providing him with firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by business owners in today's competitive landscape.

With a decade of experience that encompasses both the nuances of small businesses and the strategic complexities of top Fortune 500 companies, Alex brings a unique full-spectrum perspective to the table. His adeptness in driving revenue growth, increasing profitability, and implementing operational efficiencies across various organizational scales is complemented by his proficient use of data analytics to inform decision-making and strategy formulation.

Alex's rich background gives him a strong edge in business valuation, financial analysis, and effectively showcasing a business's strengths. His broad understanding of business, combined with a creative approach, makes him skilled at making companies more appealing to buyers. With a unique mix of corporate knowledge and entrepreneurial flair, Alex is a trusted guide for business owners looking to navigate the complex process of selling their businesses with confidence.

Sean Reish

Business Broker

Sean Reish is a business broker based in Southern California. He specializes in industrial business sales in the Inland Empire, drawing on extensive experience in commercial real estate, residential real estate, and as an economics teacher.

Sean’s approach emphasizes transparent communication and thorough education of his clients at each transaction phase. He helps clients feel empowered and prepared to make sound decisions. Whether navigating complex negotiations or providing detailed updates, Sean is committed to ensuring that every client’s journey is seamless, informed, and supported by his in-depth industry knowledge and dedication to the client's success.

Sean earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Marketing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Since then, he has worked in real estate sales and finance. His experience gives him a comprehensive understanding of business sales' financial and logistical aspects, setting him apart as a knowledgeable guide in the field. He is committed to keeping clients well-informed, educated, and confident throughout the selling process.

Soheil Semnani

Business Broker

Soheil (Soul) Semnani is a business broker with extensive knowledge of business management, business transactions, retail sales, services, and real estate transactions. Soul brings a wealth of international business experience.

Soul managed a retail clothing store in Iran with more than 10 employees before moving to the UAE. As a Real Estate agent at Grand Vision Real Estate in the UAE, he sold houses and apartments for developers while managing his family’s properties in the surrounding area. While in the US, he was a restoration company’s Southern California regional sales manager, adding significant growth to its topline. He later joined a well-known retail store as an assistant manager. Soul’s education initially included studying architecture abroad and switching to Cyber Security in the US.

Soul’s rich background and international experience give sellers and buyers a deep sense of comfort and trust in business transactions and acquisitions.

David Vance

Business Broker

David Vance is a business broker with Transworld Business Advisors, with years of experience running successful businesses. He helps owners sell their companies and connects entrepreneurs with the right opportunities.

With Transworld’s global network and proven systems, David is well-positioned to provide expert support in complex business transactions across various industries.

As the Broker Owner of House of Loans, David boasts over 25 years of experience in the mortgage financing industry. He has established a reputation for integrity, in-depth market knowledge, and a client-first approach, successfully aiding individuals and families in navigating residential and commercial lending with confidence.

By combining his extensive financial expertise with business brokerage, David provides clients a distinctive advantage—bridging the gap between real estate, lending, and business ownership. His dedication to excellence and strategic insight makes him a trusted advisor for those seeking to build, sell, or transition into their next business venture.

Geoffrey Cho

 

Business Broker

 

Geoffrey is a business broker with a solid background in property management and a proven record across various sectors, including real estate, solar energy sales, and handyman services. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Geoffrey focuses on assisting clients in navigating the sale and acquisition of service-oriented businesses and property management firms with insight, precision, and integrity.

Beginning in property management, Geoffrey developed a thorough understanding of operational efficiency, tenant relations, asset preservation, and ROI optimization. From managing single-family homes to overseeing multi-unit commercial and multifamily properties, Geoffrey built a reputation for streamlining operations and enhancing property value. His experience in solar system sales and handyman services further broadened his ability to assess business value, operational structure, and growth potential—skills that now serve as key assets in business brokerage.

As a business broker, Geoffrey combines practical knowledge with strategic thinking to guide clients through complex transactions. He has a proven ability to craft compelling narratives that drive buyer interest and engagement, showcasing a business's strengths to attract targeted buyers. Known for his clear communication, thorough due diligence, and strong commitment to client goals, Geoffrey is a trusted advisor for business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, and property owners seeking to sell, buy, or scale with confidence.

Honghong Renee Xue, M&A Advisor, MBA, CEPA, CM&AP

Business Broker and Mergers & Acquisition Intermediary

Renee Xue is a business broker who helps owners of privately held companies sell, merge, and acquire businesses successfully. With an MBA from UCLA Anderson and extensive experience as a senior finance and M&A executive, she has deep knowledge of valuation, deal structuring, and due diligence.

 

 

 

Renee has advised both private and public companies on complex transactions, earning the trust of boards, investors, and owners. She builds strong relationships with diverse clients to enable smooth, high-integrity deals. She is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs maximize value and exit confidently.

Kasra Afsahi

 

Business Broker

 

DRE# 02310480

(714) 923-1222  Ext. 711

[email protected]  

Kasra Afsahi is a Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors of Orange, serving business owners in San Diego. He brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience in the healthcare and wellness industries. He has founded, grown, and successfully exited multiple companies, including an award-winning medical virtual reality startup.

 

 

This background gives him a deep, practical understanding of the challenges business owners face during transition. Having experienced both roles as a founder and a seller, Kasra understands the pressures, timing, decisions, and personal investment involved in building and eventually selling a business. This unique vantage point enables him to guide owners with empathy, clarity, and a strategic focus on maximizing value.

Kasra holds both a Medical Degree and a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Tehran University. His combined clinical and business background gives him exceptional analytical skills for evaluating operations, spotting growth opportunities, and positioning businesses for successful transactions. Kasra is dedicated to helping owners move forward with confidence—whether they are preparing to sell now or planning for the future.

Nina Kanani

Marketing & Office Manager

Nina is a marketing and office manager at Transworld Business Advisors of Orange with extensive experience in content creation, social media, and web development. She has a demonstrated ability to help companies grow by crafting engaging digital campaigns, streamlining operations, and boosting brand visibility across various platforms.

Nina earned a B.A. in Business Economics from the University of California, Irvine, where she developed a strong foundation in strategy and analysis. Combining creativity with organizational skills, she thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about driving business growth while building meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

Ready For What Comes Next on Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

Ready For What Comes Next on Your Entrepreneurial Journey?